A new chapter is being written for the Darley House, a Claymont landmark where illustrator Felix Darley in 1862 created an important archetype of the modern Santa Claus. The state (which owns the half-acre property, on Philadelphia Pike and Darley Road) and the Claymont Renaissance Development Corp. (which rents it) are moving forward on plans to renovate the house …
Hale Byrnes House to unveil painting of witness tree
The Hale Brynes House this weekend will unveil a painting featuring an American sycamore tree under which George Washington once held a council of war with the Marquis de Lafayette. The Newark nonprofit commissioned the painting because the 300-plus-year-old witness tree — called that because it was alive during a historical moment — may soon die or be removed. …
State seeks input on plan for Cooch’s Bridge site
The 1777 Battle of Cooch’s Bridge was the only one fought on Delaware soil and the first time that the Stars and Stripes were flown in battle. With such a storied history, you might be surprised to learn you could have a say in the site’s future. Well, you do. The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will hold three …
Chautauqua tent show expands to Historic New Castle
Sharpshooter Annie Oakley is headed to Historic New Castle as part of Delaware’s annual Chautauqua tent show, which for the first time will offer a full slate of live performances upstate in addition to the traditional Lewes site. But don’t expect Annie to shoot up either place. “Oh, no,” says Kim Hanley of the American Historical Theatre in Philadelphia. …
Learn some Delaware history at these 5 events in August
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will sponsor five events focused on Delaware history during the month of August 2022. A full schedule is included below. Except where noted, all programs are free and open to the public. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. National Night Out in Historic New Castle. Annual community-building, family-friendly event that …
State to host free New Castle history camp for kids
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will host a free New Castle history camp for children ages 10 to 13 between July 25 and July 29, 2022. Children will explore the storied past of one of America’s most historic towns. Among other things, they’ll learn how Native Americans used the land, explore colonial kitchen gardens, and weigh in …
Learn some Delaware history at these 4 programs in June
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will sponsor seven special events during the month of June 2022. A full schedule is included below. Admission is free and open to the public, but reservations are required for some programs. Go to this link for additional information and reservation instructions. Friday and Saturday, June 10 and 11, 2022 Separation Day. Celebration marking …
Learn some Delaware history at these 7 events in May
Artistic rendition of the capsizing of the DeBraak by Peggy Kane, 1990.The ship and its sinking will be explored in the program âThe Wooden World Revealedâ at the Zwaanendael Museum on May 21, 2022. The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will sponsor seven special events during the month of May 2022. A full schedule is included below. Except …
Delaware to celebrate Womenâs History Month with historical events
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will host two special events in March to commemorate the historical contributions of women in Delaware. The events come on the heels of a jam-packed lineup of events held in February to celebrate Black History Month. Two of those events have yet to be hosted. All programs are free and open to …
Tours at Dickinson plantation now take visitors to slave burial sites
A sign in a field at the John Dickinson Plantation details the discovery of slave burial sites there. Photo by Charlie Megginson. A burial ground believed to contain the remains of enslaved people and others who lived, worked and died on the John Dickinson Plantation in Dover was found during archeological fieldwork in March. The historical site is …